Spanish grammar: se impersonal

What this grammar point covers

The 'se impersonal' is a special way in Spanish to make general statements or talk about actions without saying who does them. It's like saying 'people', 'one', or 'they' in English, but using 'se' and a verb.

When to use it

Use 'se impersonal' when you want to talk generally, about what people do in a place, rules, or habits, without saying who does the action. It is often used in instructions, signs, or to describe customs.

Key forms

• se + verb in 3rd person singular (se vive, se dice)
• se + verb in 3rd person plural (when the noun is plural: se venden coches)

Examples

Tips

• Always use 'se' before the verb.
• The verb is usually in third person singular, unless the noun is plural.
• Don't use a specific subject (like 'yo', 'tú', 'nosotros') with 'se impersonal'.

Exceptions and edge cases

• If the noun after the verb is plural, use the verb in third person plural (e.g., 'se venden entradas').